MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State University's new Actors Studio Series focuses on the acting/directing process with classic and original plays in an intimate theater.

This season's four student/faculty studio productions in the Edward S. Strother Theatre begin with Anton Chekhov's "The Three Sisters" Oct. 7-14. The shows are presented by Ball State's Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Fine Arts.

"This new series showcases the talents of our actors in an intimate studio environment," said Don LaCasse, theater and dance department chair. "By utilizing modular scenic pieces with simple and imaginative costuming, the productions will emphasize the immediacy of the actor-audience relationship."

The series challenges directors, actors and designers to be more creative in using limited stage materials and resources, LaCasse said. Shows share basic set units and costumes.

"We think it will make for some exciting theater," he said. "Audiences become greater participants by having to use their imagination to a greater degree than when everything is literal, as in most television productions."

This season's studio productions are:

• "The Three Sisters": Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 11-14 at 8 p.m., Oct. 10 at 2:30 p.m. This modern version of Chekhov's poignant story portrays three Russian sisters who demonstrate the human spirit's power to overcome despair. Director: Kathy Biesinger.
• "Reckless": Nov. 16-20 and Nov. 22 at 8 p.m., Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Craig Lucas' dark comedy and biting satire on contemporary life investigates the minefields of navigating human relationships. Director: Judy Yordon.
• Student-Directed One Acts: Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 3-5 at 8 p.m., Feb. 6 at 2:30 p.m. This evening of one-act plays features several of Ball State's talented undergraduate directors.
• Student-Written One Acts: April 11-15 at 8 p.m., April 16 at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Ball State's commitment to new theater works continues with an evening of faculty-directed original one-acts. Director: Michael O'Hara.

Tickets for each show are $5 for the general public and $4 for students, available at the University Theatre Box Office in advance or at the Strother Theatre Box Office before performances. For information, call (765) 285-8749.

By Ted Buck, Communications Manager